Titans star Evania Pelite headlines a strong Fetu Samoa squad after choosing to represent her heritage for the first time in a bid to help the Pacific nation qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Pelite adds the Fetu blue jersey to her impressive resume, which includes an Olympic Gold medal with Australia in Rugby 7s, the 2022 World Cup with the Jillaroos and the recent Women’s State of Origin series with Queensland.
Fetu Samoa will not only contest the Pacific Championships, but this year’s matches will also double as qualification for the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup.
Pelite powers her way over
Fetu Samoa Head Coach Jamie Soward said: “We have so much to play for this year, with a great opportunity in front of us to represent Samoa proudly and play in meaningful games.
“The fact that these games are also World Cup qualifiers adds greater importance and we will need to draw on every bit of Samoan pride to progress to where we want to get to.
“On the back of a great camp and victory over Fiji last year, I am excited to coach this group again and look to secure our spot in the 2026 World Cup.”
Destiny Brill, Sienna Lofipo and Annetta Nuuausala are among the players returning from the victorious 2023 campaign and will lend their experience to a Fetu Samoa side determined to have an impact in this year’s tournament.
“Vani is one of the stars of the NRL and we are very fortunate to have her experience and quality in our team,” said Soward.
“With players from last year’s campaign returning, we are confident we have an exciting mix of young up and coming players who bring energy, and experienced players who can make the right plays in big moments.
“One step at a time, and we need to be good against Tonga first and then move forward from there.”
Fetu Samoa will play Tonga XIII Women in Suva, Fiji on Saturday 19th October.
The winner of that match will play the winner of Cook Islands and Fiji for the chance to progress to the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup.
Fetu Samoa
- Annetta Nuuausala (Brisbane Broncos)
- Christian Pio (West Tigers)
- Destiny Brill (Brisbane Broncos)
- Evah McEwen (Newcastle Knights)
- Evania Pelite (Gold Coast Titans)
- Jasmine Fogavini (Brisbane Broncos)
- Jessica Patea (St George Dragons
- Jetaya Faifua (North Queensland Cowboys)
- Laikha Clarke (Gold Coast Titans)
- Lindsay Tui (Parramatta Eels)
- Makayla Eli (Manly Sea Eagles)
- Mercedez Taulelei-Siala (Newcastle Knights)
- Monalisa Soliola (Canberra Raiders)
- Pauline Piliae-Rasabale (West Tigers)
- Pihuka Berryman Duff (Parramatta Eels)
- Sarina Masaga (Gold Coast Titans)
- Shontelle Stowers (Manly Sea Eagles)
- Sienna Lofipo (Gold Coast Titans)
- Simone Karpani (Newcastle Knights)
- Tavarna Papalii (Sydney Roosters)